Facelifted Toyota Prius is here – RM139,900 to RM145,500

We didn’t tell you, but yesterday’s launch of the Toyota Prius c was in fact a double launch – the other car being the facelifted and upgraded third-generation Prius. After focusing on the undoubted star of the show, here’s a look at the Prius that paved the way.

There are no mechanical changes, so big bro Prius continues with the Hybrid Synergy Drive system consisting of a 1.8-litre 2ZR-FXE Atkinson cycle engine (99 PS and 142 Nm) and a 82 PS/207 Nm electric motor. The combined output is 136 PS. There’s an electric water pump, exhaust gas recirculation and no accessory drive belts for max efficiency. The gearbox is a CVT unit. Drivers get to choose between Normal, Power, Eco and EV modes.

No big changes to the trademark Prius look, but small differences include a restyled lower grille (improves air intake, pedestrian protection), repositioned fog lamps, LED daytime running lights, new rear lights and a new Bordeaux Mica Metallic colour. Inside, the theme has been changed from grey to black, and there are new textures to the plastics. The front armrest and cupholders, among other small bits, have been redesigned for better usability.

There’s a Head-Up Display that projects speed and the Hybrid Eco Monitor, and the brightness is auto adjusted. You’ll also notice a new head unit with a 6.1-inch touch screen display, Bluetooth/USB connection and reverse camera. Sound comes from an 8-Green Edge speaker, 8-channel amplifier system by JBL.

Like before, keyless entry and start, cruise control and Touch Tracer are available. On the safety front, the Prius comes with seven airbags, TRC, VSC, ABS, EBD and Brake Assist.

Toyota has a new variant called Prius Luxury. This upscale trim level adds on LED projector headlamps with auto leveling and washer. Normally found on high end Lexus models, LED headlamps are brighter and use less energy than HID bulbs. Luxury trim also brings an electro chromic rear view mirror and leather seats. The front seats are heated.

If you’re wondering why, remember that a small market like ours can’t dictate and custom order specs – I’m guessing that if UMWT wanted leather from TMC, they have to take it with the warmers.

Japan’s best selling car is priced at RM139,900 OTR with insurance, while the Prius Luxury is yours for RM145,500, lower than pre launch estimates.

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

gosh… wat r those japanese thinking? heated seats? here in the tropics, they give heated seats, hah! can’t think any reason why they wan give this feature…. unless they know we get snow soon, due to the climate change… :-p

My Ssangyong Kyron has heated seats and I used it frequently especially during my weekly KL/PG/KL drive at night. I find it does help to relief the stress on the lower back as the heat is generated to the back rest too. The heater is thermostatically controlled. So you need not worry about burnt buttocks, haha!

yeah… thats the good feedback from guys who turn on their heated seats during long journeys.. reduce back stress…
anyway.. if you not using it, switch it off la… you are buying a global car, bound to have global combination items like “leather + seat warmers” . can turn it off, not linked to air cond system .

Ya i agreed with you for time being. But, our lovely G gradually will remove all the subsidies on food, petrol, groceries and eventually our fuel will follow international price; However, what about the car pricing in M’sia? can we also follow international price ?
Yet, is this so called Rakyat Didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan….

I booked a luxury unit 10 days ago and I am happy to note the price for the luxury version is now almost at par with the price quoted for the standard version at the time I booked the car. However, until today, the sales adviser is unable to confirm the delivery timeline; he is saying this can only be known end of February. I failed to understand why is this so; especially with all the computerization today at UMW Toyota? Anyone out there facing the same problem?

Good to see the hybrid cars being launched in Malaysia and so soon after its global launch. Over here, Toyota has started to run adverts showing the new Prius family, new look Prius, the compact Prius c and the 7 seater MPV-like Prius v. The Prius v has the same hybrid engine and equipments as the Prius with fogs and DRLs (Daylight Running Lights) as standard. The body is akin to slightly larger version of Wish.

Danny, any news or indication if UMW will launch the Prius v in Malaysia. It will be ideal for one who is looking for a 7 seater and like a CBU and good FC. The tax scheme for hybrids under 2.0L will make it one of the cheapest CBU 7 seater I reckoned. I would be interested to get one if I am back.

In future article, I would like to recommend for you team to do side by side comparison. It’s much easier for your reader. This picture is taken from your site. I just copy and paste. A picture is worth than a thousand words.

Already have the 2011 Prius which I am very happy with. Am looking to upgrade to the Prius + 7 seater model. Any idea when it will be available in Malaysia and what will be the price? Any ideas suggestions. Tq. Email – flyer168.loke@gmail.com

I’m from the US and Prius’ are a big hit over there. We are moving from SG to Malaysia and looking to get the Prius Luxury model. I’ve been doing a lot of comparisons with C-segment cars (e.g. Civic, Corolla, Lancer, Focus, etc.), but this is, in my opinion, the most sensible choice. One of the very few choices that has 7 airbags! Yes, generally quite useless, but if you do need it just once, it can save your life (happened to me before). Also, great on gas, full spec (LED headlights, JBL stereo? Wow!), CBU from Japan, etc… Corolla and Civic don’t make sense considering what you DON’T get for the money you pay. Elantra has lower price, but on a monthly basis, including gas savings, etc.. the difference is not bad.. Prius should cost about RM400 per month (assuming 1000km useage per month).

Any 3rd generation Prius owner out there having any problems or issues with the car?

…Prius should cost about RM400 per month more than an Elantra (assuming 1000km per month). Not bad considering how much more you get with the Prius vs. the Elantra. Tough choice though since the Elantra does look quite nice and comes with a better warranty, but since we have kids, safety is important and I presume a Toyota should have better RV.

After 5 years, how many Malaysian own a prius, a hybrid or an electric car? This comment is posted in 2017 after 5 years. 0.1% of Malaysian cars are in the above category. Malaysian are just too poor to own new technologies.

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